Technological Institute of the Philippines

1338 Arlegui St. Quiapo, Manila

Department of Mechanical Engineering

ME Laboratory 1 ( Measurement Laboratory)

ME401 – ME41FA2

Activity 1

Experiment No. 3

CALIBRATION OF PRESSURE MEASURING INSTRUMENT

Submitted By: Submitted to:

Larin, Lemuel David V. Engr. Manuel L. Europeo

September 3, 2016
 Experiment No. 3

CALIBRATION OF PRESSURE MEASURING INSTRUMENT

Course Code: ME401 Program: BSME

Course Title:ME Lab 1(Measurement Laboratory) Date Performed: August 27, 2016
Section: ME41FA2 Date Submitted: September 3, 2016
Students: Instructor: Engr. Manuel L. Europeo
Larin,Lemuel David V.

1. Objective:

The activity aims to demonstrate the calibration of pressure gauge specifically the dead-weight piston gauge

2. Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs):

The students shall be able to:
2.1 Identify the parts of a dead-weight piston gauge
2.2 Describe the procedure in calibrating a dead-weight piston gauge
2.3 Develop professional work ethics, including precision, neatness, safety and ability to follow
instruction.

3. Discussion:

A dead-weight piston gauge is used to introduce to students the principles of checking and adjusting of
manometers – (calibrating principles).

The pressure is applied via weights, which are placed on a weight support. The latter has a piston which acts
on hydraulic oil in a pipe system, so that a manometer which is also connected to the system should indicate
certain pressures.

The device contains a Bourdon spring manometer with a transparent dial. The display mechanism and the
various adjustment opportunities are therefore clearly identifiable.

Hydraulic oil is used to transfer pressure.

Weight Support Manometer

Weights

Base Plate
The device for calibrating pressure gauges essentially consists of two units:
(1) The Pressure Gauge Unit. This is where the manometer to be calibrated is screwed in.
(2) The Load Unit. The load unit consists of several weights and a cylinder with a piston. An increase in
the load results in an increase in pressure. The load unit is connected to the pressure gauge unit via an
oil-filled line, enabling the manometer to display the increase in pressure.

Principle of Operation:

Connection between the load unit and the pressure gauge unit: Both units are connected by means of a
pipeline. When the support is loaded with weights, the oil pressure in the system increases. The seal between
the piston and the cylinder is metallic, with no other sealing elements. The fit has been very carefully designed
to ensure that the piston operates almost entirely without friction, and with minimal oil leakage.

The weights are designated in such a way that pressure increments of 0.5 bar are possible.
Place the small weight on the weight support first. A guide pin is provided for this purpose. The unit is also
equipped with a drain and filling plug in order to drain or fill the oil.

The compensation cylinder can be used to raise and lower the weight load on the oil cushion of the hydraulic
oil. For the measurements, the load must be kept on the oil cushion so that the pressure is applied in the
hydraulic system.

After unscrewing the pressure relief knob, the weight load can be brought down until it is supported. The
hydraulic is then relieved of the load.

In addition, the compensation cylinder can be used to easily check the oil level and top it up if required.

Removing the Transport Protection:

Before the compensation cylinder can be used, the transport protection must be replaced with the ventilation
screw provided.
1. To do so, loosen the transport protection using the hexagon socket wrench provided and unscrew
completely. Keep the transport protection in a safe place in case of subsequent transportation.
2. Place the ventilation screw provided in the now empty tapped hole and tighten using the hexagon
socket wrench provided.
3. In the event of subsequent transportation, reinstall the transport protection in place of the ventilation
screw. To do so, follow this procedure in the reverse order.

Removing and Inserting the Transport Cap

The transport cap is held in the cylinder by an O-ring, not by a thread.

1. Removal of the transport cap:
a. Push the compensation cylinder hand lever until the pressure increases.
b. Hold the transport cap securely and push the hand lever further until the transport cap is loose
and can be removed. (Note: Pressurized oil may squirt out of the opening)
2. Insertion of transport cap:
a. Place transport cap in place
b. Unscrew the pressure relief knob then press on the transport cap
c. Screw the pressure relief knob back in.
Topping up the Hydraulic Oil:

If despite repeatedly operating the hand lever the oil does not reach the brim of the cylinder, the oil must be
topped up. For this purpose, proceed as follows:
1. If you have already done so, remove the piston with a weight support.
2. Pull hand lever to its highest position
3. Unscrew pressure relief knob
4. Top oil to the first ledge
5. Fit piston with weight support
6. Push down piston with weight support
7. Screw in pressure relief knob
8. Perform zero balance to check the zero point of the manometer:
a. Push the hand lever down so that the piston is pushed out of the cylinder.
b. Remove the piston and weight support.
c. Adjust the oil level in the open cylinder until the cylinder is filled up to the edge.
d. The manometer being tested should now indicate zero, as it is only subject to ambient
pressure. If this is not the case, the pointer on the pressure gauge can be adjusted with a small
screwdriver. For this, remove the front glass by turning the front ring.

Changing Oil:

1. Remove the drain and filling plug.

2. Drain the old oil, bleed if necessary.
3. Make an additional screwed connection between the three-way valve and vacuum pump.
4. Open the three-way valve so that the vacuum pump generates a vacuum.
5. Reverse the three-way valve to allow oil into the system.
6. Then shut off the hydraulic system. (Note: Do not replace the pressure gauge. Oil can only be refilled
using a vacuum).

4. Materials and Equipment:

 Dead-weight Piston Gauge Complete Set

5. Procedure:

1. Ready and Set the Dead Weight Piston Gauge, Weighing Scale, Oil, and the Weights.

2. One by One weigh the weights in the weighing scale to know whether it is calibrated or not.

3. Measure the diameter of the piston ( weight support ). And check the bourdon gauge if it is accurate
because of the weight support

4. And then, Open the over flow valve, remove the transport cap

5. If necessary topping up the hydraulic oil, then insert the piston.

6. To check the zero point of the bourdon gauge, press the piston out of the cylinder using the hand
wheel.

7. Remove the piston and weight support, adjust the oil level in the open cylinder until the cylinder is filled
 up to the edge.

8. The Gauge pressure being tested should now indicate zero, as it only subject to ambient pressure

9. Assemble Bourdon’s pressure gauge with dead weight tester , apply weights and measure the value of
it in pressure gauge, Repeat it to measure up to 10 trials.

10. After measuring 10 trials using dead weight piston gauge, measure the value of pressure in bar and
psi, using the weights or Force that used in the dead weight piston gauge theroretically.

P =PF/A
= F/A

Where: P = pressure
F = Force = m x g
A = Area
m = mass of load unit
g = gravity constant

Preparation for Experiment:

1. Remove the transport cap.

2. Top up with oil if necessary and check the zero signal.

Performing the Experiment:

1. Read off the zero signal on the pressure gauge, check it and make a note of it.
2. Set the weight carrier to 0.334 bar by inserting the piston in the load unit cylinder. To do this:
a. Unscrew pressure relief knob
b. Press down weight support
c. Screw in pressure relief knob
d. Press down the hand lever, thereby slowly lifting the piston with weight support until it just
floats on the oil with sufficient guidance. To avoid sticking due to static friction, gently twist the
weight carrier as it sinks. Note the pressure signal on the pressure gauge.
e. Place the load ring for 0.166 bar on the weight carrier. When so doing, make sure that the
weight carrier floats freely on the oil. To minimize sticking due to static friction while performing
this experiment, gently twist the weight carrier. Note the pressure signal on the pressure
gauge.
f. Add each of the four load rings for 0.5 bar in turn, repeating the action described above and
noting the pressure values.
6. Data and Results:

Ideal Reading Result

Weight of Theoretical
Measured Measured Theoretical
loads with pressure in bar
pressure in pressure in pressure in psi
pressure
Psi Bar (Computed)
value in (Computed)
(Bourdon Gauge) (Bourdon Gauge)
kilograms
0.91 11.1 0.76 11.45 0.79

0.65 8.2 0.57 8.17 0.56

1.44 18 1.24 18.11 1.25

0.66 8.6 0.59 8.3 0.57

0.56 7.2 0.5 7.04 0.49

0.81 10.4 0.72 10.19 0.7

0.711 9 0.62 8.94 0.62

1.07 12.9 0.89 13.46 0.93

1.16 14.9 1.03 14.59 1

1.21 15.2 1.05 15.22 1.05

Computation:

Note: the diameter of the piston was 12mm or 0.4724 in

Solving for the area:

𝝅 𝟐 𝝅
𝑨= 𝒅 = (𝟎. 𝟒𝟕𝟐𝟒 𝒊𝒏)𝟐 = 𝟎. 𝟏𝟕𝟓𝟑 𝒊𝒏𝟐
𝟒 𝟒
𝟐.𝟐𝟎𝟒𝟔𝒍𝒃
(1) 𝟎. 𝟗𝟏 𝒌𝒈 × = 𝟐. 𝟎𝟎𝟔𝟏𝟖𝟔𝒍𝒃
𝟏𝒌𝒈

𝑭 𝟐. 𝟎𝟎𝟔𝟏𝟖𝟔 𝒍𝒃
𝑷= = = 𝟏𝟏. 𝟒𝟒 𝒑𝒔𝒊
𝑨 𝟎. 𝟏𝟕𝟓𝟑 𝒊𝒏𝟐

𝟏. 𝟎𝟏𝟑𝟐𝟓 𝒃𝒂𝒓
𝟏𝟏. 𝟒𝟒 𝒑𝒔𝒊 × =. 𝟕𝟗𝒃𝒂𝒓
𝟏𝟒. 𝟕 𝒑𝒔𝒊

𝟐.𝟐𝟎𝟒𝟔𝒍𝒃
(2) 𝟎. 𝟔𝟓 𝒌𝒈 × = 𝟏. 𝟒𝟑𝟐𝟗𝟗 𝒍𝒃
𝟏𝒌𝒈

𝑭 𝟏. 𝟒𝟑𝟐𝟗𝟗𝒍𝒃
𝑷= = = 𝟖. 𝟏𝟕 𝒑𝒔𝒊
𝑨 𝟎. 𝟏𝟕𝟓𝟑 𝒊𝒏𝟐

𝟏. 𝟎𝟏𝟑𝟐𝟓 𝒃𝒂𝒓
𝟖. 𝟏𝟕 𝒑𝒔𝒊 × = 𝟎. 𝟓𝟔 𝒃𝒂𝒓
𝟏𝟒. 𝟕 𝒑𝒔𝒊

𝟐.𝟐𝟎𝟒𝟔𝒍𝒃
(3) 𝟏. 𝟒𝟒 𝒌𝒈 × = 𝟑. 𝟏𝟕𝟒𝟔𝟐𝟒𝒍𝒃
𝟏𝒌𝒈

𝑭 𝟑. 𝟏𝟕𝟒𝟔𝟐𝟒𝒍𝒃
𝑷= = = 𝟏𝟖. 𝟏𝟏 𝒑𝒔𝒊
𝑨 𝟎. 𝟏𝟕𝟓𝟑 𝒊𝒏𝟐

𝟏. 𝟎𝟏𝟑𝟐𝟓 𝒃𝒂𝒓
𝟏𝟖. 𝟏𝟏 𝒑𝒔𝒊 × = 𝟏. 𝟐𝟓 𝒃𝒂𝒓
𝟏𝟒. 𝟕 𝒑𝒔𝒊

𝟐.𝟐𝟎𝟒𝟔𝒍𝒃
(4) 𝟎. 𝟔𝟔 𝒌𝒈 × = 𝟏. 𝟒𝟓𝟓𝟎𝟑𝟔𝒍𝒃
𝟏𝒌𝒈

𝑭 𝟏. 𝟒𝟓𝟓𝟎𝟑𝟔𝒍𝒃
𝑷= = = 𝟖. 𝟑 𝒑𝒔𝒊
𝑨 𝟎. 𝟏𝟕𝟓𝟑 𝒊𝒏𝟐

𝟏. 𝟎𝟏𝟑𝟐𝟓 𝒃𝒂𝒓
𝟖. 𝟑 𝒑𝒔𝒊 × = 𝟎. 𝟓𝟕 𝒃𝒂𝒓
𝟏𝟒. 𝟕 𝒑𝒔𝒊
 𝟐.𝟐𝟎𝟒𝟔𝒍𝒃
(5) 𝟎. 𝟓𝟔 𝒌𝒈 × = 𝟏. 𝟐𝟑𝟒𝟓𝟕𝟔𝒍𝒃
𝟏𝒌𝒈

𝑭 𝟏. 𝟐𝟑𝟒𝟓𝟕𝟔 𝒍𝒃
𝑷= = = 𝟕. 𝟎𝟒 𝒑𝒔𝒊
𝑨 𝟎. 𝟏𝟕𝟓𝟑 𝒊𝒏𝟐

𝟏. 𝟎𝟏𝟑𝟐𝟓 𝒃𝒂𝒓
𝟕. 𝟎𝟒 𝒑𝒔𝒊 × =. 𝟒𝟗𝒃𝒂𝒓
𝟏𝟒. 𝟕 𝒑𝒔𝒊

𝟐.𝟐𝟎𝟒𝟔𝒍𝒃
(6) 𝟎. 𝟖𝟏 𝒌𝒈 × = 𝟏. 𝟕𝟖𝟓𝟕𝟐𝟔𝒍𝒃
𝟏𝒌𝒈

𝑭 𝟏. 𝟕𝟖𝟓𝟕𝟐𝟔 𝒍𝒃
𝑷= = = 𝟏𝟎. 𝟏𝟗 𝒑𝒔𝒊
𝑨 𝟎. 𝟏𝟕𝟓𝟑 𝒊𝒏𝟐

𝟏. 𝟎𝟏𝟑𝟐𝟓 𝒃𝒂𝒓
𝟏𝟎. 𝟏𝟗 𝒑𝒔𝒊 × =. 𝟕𝒃𝒂𝒓
𝟏𝟒. 𝟕 𝒑𝒔𝒊

𝟐.𝟐𝟎𝟒𝟔𝒍𝒃
(7) 𝟎. 𝟕𝟏𝟏 𝒌𝒈 × = 𝟏. 𝟓𝟔𝟕𝟒𝟕𝟎𝟔𝒍𝒃
𝟏𝒌𝒈

𝑭 𝟏. 𝟓𝟔𝟕𝟒𝟕𝟎𝟔 𝒍𝒃
𝑷= = = 𝟖. 𝟗𝟒 𝒑𝒔𝒊
𝑨 𝟎. 𝟏𝟕𝟓𝟑 𝒊𝒏𝟐

𝟏. 𝟎𝟏𝟑𝟐𝟓 𝒃𝒂𝒓
𝟖. 𝟗𝟒 𝒑𝒔𝒊 × =. 𝟔𝟐𝒃𝒂𝒓
𝟏𝟒. 𝟕 𝒑𝒔𝒊

𝟐.𝟐𝟎𝟒𝟔𝒍𝒃
(8) 𝟏. 𝟎𝟕 𝒌𝒈 × = 𝟐. 𝟑𝟓𝟖𝟗𝟐𝟐𝒍𝒃
𝟏𝒌𝒈

𝑭 𝟐. 𝟑𝟓𝟖𝟗𝟐𝟐 𝒍𝒃
𝑷= = = 𝟏𝟑. 𝟒𝟔 𝒑𝒔𝒊
𝑨 𝟎. 𝟏𝟕𝟓𝟑 𝒊𝒏𝟐

𝟏. 𝟎𝟏𝟑𝟐𝟓 𝒃𝒂𝒓
𝟏𝟑. 𝟒𝟔 𝒑𝒔𝒊 × =. 𝟗𝟑𝒃𝒂𝒓
𝟏𝟒. 𝟕 𝒑𝒔𝒊

𝟐.𝟐𝟎𝟒𝟔𝒍𝒃
(9) 𝟏. 𝟏𝟔 𝒌𝒈 × = 𝟐. 𝟓𝟓𝟕𝟑𝟑𝟔𝒍𝒃
𝟏𝒌𝒈

𝑭 𝟐. 𝟓𝟓𝟕𝟑𝟑𝟔 𝒍𝒃
𝑷= = = 𝟏𝟒. 𝟓𝟗 𝒑𝒔𝒊
𝑨 𝟎. 𝟏𝟕𝟓𝟑 𝒊𝒏𝟐

𝟏. 𝟎𝟏𝟑𝟐𝟓 𝒃𝒂𝒓
𝟏𝟒. 𝟓𝟗 𝒑𝒔𝒊 × = 𝟏𝒃𝒂𝒓
𝟏𝟒. 𝟕 𝒑𝒔𝒊
 𝟐.𝟐𝟎𝟒𝟔𝒍𝒃
(10) 𝟏. 𝟐𝟏 𝒌𝒈 × = 𝟐. 𝟔𝟔𝟕𝟓𝟔𝟔𝒍𝒃
𝟏𝒌𝒈

𝑭 𝟐. 𝟔𝟔𝟕𝟓𝟔𝟔𝒍𝒃
𝑷= = = 𝟏𝟓. 𝟐𝟐 𝒑𝒔𝒊
𝑨 𝟎. 𝟏𝟕𝟓𝟑 𝒊𝒏𝟐

𝟏. 𝟎𝟏𝟑𝟐𝟓 𝒃𝒂𝒓
𝟏𝟓. 𝟐𝟐 𝒑𝒔𝒊 × = 𝟏. 𝟎𝟓𝒃𝒂𝒓
𝟏𝟒. 𝟕 𝒑𝒔𝒊

|𝒎𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒖𝒓𝒆𝒅 𝒗𝒂𝒍𝒖𝒆−𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒐𝒓𝒆𝒕𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒍 𝒗𝒂𝒍𝒖𝒆|

Percentage Error (% Error) = x 100%
𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒐𝒓𝒆𝒕𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒍 𝒗𝒂𝒍𝒖𝒆

PSI BAR

11.1−11.45 .76−.79
1. %Error1= x100% 1. % Error2= x 100%
11.45 .79
% Error1 = 3.06 % % Error2 = 3.8 %
8.2−8.17 .57−.56
2. % Error1= x 100% 2. % Error2 = x 100%
8.17 .56
% Error1 = 0.37 % % Error2 = 1.79 %
18−18.11 1.24−1.25
3. %Error1= x 100% 3. % Error2 = x 100%
18.11 1.25
% Error1 = 0.61 % % Error2 = 0.8 %
8.6−8.3 .59−.57
4. % Error1 = x 100% 4. % Error2 = x 100%
8.3 .57
% Error1 = 3.6 % % Error2 = 3.51 %
7.2−7.04 .5−.49
5. % Error1= x 100% 5. % Error2 = x 100%
7.04 .49
% Error1 = 2.27 % % Error2 = 2.04 %
10.4−10.19 .72−.7
6. %Error1= x100% 6. % Error2 = x 100%
10.19 .7
% Error1 = 2.06 % % Error2 = 2.86 %
9−8.94 .62−.62
7. % Error1= x 100% 7. % Error2= x 100%
8.94 .62
% Error1 = 0.67 % % Error2 = 0 %
12.9−13.46 .89−.93
8. %Error1= x100% 8. % Error2 = x 100%
13.46 .93
% Error1 = 4.16 % % Error2 = 4.3 %
14.9−14.59 1.03−1
9. %Error1= x100% 9. % Error2 = x 100%
14.59 1
% Error1 = 2.12 % % Error2 = 3 %
15.2−15.22 1.05−1.05
10. %Error1= x100% 10. % Error2= x 100%
15.22 1.05
% Error1 = 0.13 % % Error2 = 0 %
 9. Graphical Evaluation:

Pressure-weight diagram (psi)

40
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
0.91 0.65 1.44 0.66 0.56 0.81 0.711 1.07 1.16 1.21

Measured Theoretical

Pressure-weight diagram (bar)

3

2.5

1.5

0.5

0
0.91 0.65 1.44 0.66 0.56 0.81 0.711 1.07 1.16 1.21

Measured Theoretical
Interpretation:

About the graphical analysis about this experiment in calibration of pressure in measuring
instrument using the dead weight piston gauge, you may see differences in the measure value and to
the theoretical value. And if we compute those differences it will brings the percentage error between
the measure and theoretical. This percentage error we compute maybe from the equipment itself or
maybe the person who performing the experiment, and maybe due to the environment, those things or
people surrounds you. And as the graph show, there Bar and Psi graph shows almost the same, that’s
why there’s a little percentage error occurred in this experiment.

Observation/Analysis

In this experiment, before you perform you must need to complete all those materials and equipments
to be used, to be able to have a accurate measurement for measuring the pressure in bar and psi. We
must weigh first the weights to be used to know if they are precise on what weight indicated on each of
them. Measure the diameter and the area of the Piston.
To get the reading, or to know what pressure to be need to lift the weight to be use, we must look first if
the bourdon gauge is at zero, put hydraulic oil inside the cylinder whick the piston will be inserted,
because this oil is the one which will transfer the pressure through the pipe line. Close the valve to make
sure that is no leak of pressure. And I observe when valve is closed, and the piston and weights are
ready, you can now determine the pressure need to lift those weights by moving the hand lever up and
down, to transfer pressure via pipe line, when the weight supports moves up, then it is the time that is
acquired its pressure to be need to lift or move that weight, look to the bourdon gage(manometer) to
measure the value of pressure in psi and bar. After measuring it release the pressure by open the valve,
and then try another weight measure it again. If you move up and down the lever but the weight support
doesn’t moves up, it means you need to put some oil again inside n cylinder to avoid friction.
Sometimes its hard to get the accurate pressure reading using the dead weight pressure gauge,
because of some factors like, human error, not calibrated materials and maybe because of its hard to read
the manometer because of its interval, but overall if you perform well there’s only a very small percentage
error between using the formula, and using the dead weight pressure gauge.

Conclusion/Recommendation:

By this experiment about calibration of pressure measuring instrument, and by the use of dead weight
piston gauge we will be able to determine the calibration of pressure gauge. Despite of all factors affecting
the result of the reading of the pressure, we must say that yes, this type of measurement may also lead to
get the pressure reading easily by looking to the manometer, but there’s a time it will give not precise and
accurate measures, because of those factors that gives percentage error.
We must be careful and check if there’s a leak in the valve, or always check if it is enough amount of oil,
to avoid friction that may cause to large value of percentage error. The environment must be peaceful, so
that there’s no chance of error due to the environment. And lastly have a good eye sight while reading the
pressure reading in the manometer, only one line or grid of wrong sight of the reading will lead or cause a
big percentage error. That’s why we should be careful and check one by one all the materials to have a
precise and accurate pressure reading.
14. Assessment Rubric:
TIP-VPAA–054D
Revision Status/Date:0/2009 September 09

TECHNOLOGICAL INSTITUTE OF THE PHILIPPINES

RUBRIC FOR LABORATORY PERFORMANCE
CRITERIA BEGINNER ACCEPTABLE PROFICIENT SCORE
1 2 3
Laboratory Skills
Manipulative Members do not Members occasionally Members always
Skills demonstrate needed demonstrate needed demonstrate needed
skills. skills. skills.
Experimental Members are unable to Members are able to Members are able to
Set-up set-up the materials. set-up the materials set-up the material with
with supervision. minimum supervision.
Process Members do not Members occasionally Members always
Skills demonstrate targeted demonstrate targeted demonstrate targeted
process skills. process skills. process skills.

Safety Members do not follow Members follow safety Members follow safety
Precautions safety precautions. precautions most of the precautions at all
time. times.
Work Habits
Time Members do not finish Members finish on time Members finish ahead
Management/ on time with incomplete with incomplete data. of time with complete
Conduct of data. data and time to revise
Experiment data.
Cooperative Members do not know Members have defined Members are on tasks
and their tasks and have no responsibilities most of and have
Teamwork defined responsibilities. the time. Group responsibilities at all
Group conflicts have to conflicts are times. Group conflicts
be settled by the cooperatively managed are cooperatively
teacher. most of the time. managed at all times.
Neatness and Messy workplace during Clean and orderly Clean and orderly
Orderliness and after the workplace with workplace at all times
experiment. occasional mess during during and after the
and after the experiment.
experiment.
Ability to do Members require Members require Members do not need
independent supervision by the occasional supervision to be supervised by the
work teacher. by the teacher. teacher.
Other Comments/Observations:
TOTAL SCORE

RATING=

x 100%